{
  "id": 12541628,
  "title": "MK party blasts GNU as fuel price hike pushes petrol above R30/litre",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/mk-party-blasts-gnu-as-fuel-price-hike-pushes-petrol-above-r30-litre",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-07T04:07:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/mk-party-blasts-gnu-fuel-price-hike-pushes-petrol-above-r30-litre/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The MK party has harshly criticized the government of national unity (GNU) in response to a significant petrol price hike. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) announced on Monday that the price of 93-octane petrol will rise by R3.12 per litre and 95-octane petrol by R3.33 per litre, with the latter reaching R30.25 per litre. MK party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu stated that these increases come at a particularly difficult time for many South Africans, who are already struggling due to rising interest rates. He emphasized that poor South Africans, especially those in townships and rural areas, are being affected from all sides. The party argued that the consequences of the fuel hikes go beyond motorists, warning that the increased costs will lead to higher prices for food, school necessities, and other household goods. Mahlangu criticized the government for failing to take proactive measures to protect consumers from global energy shocks and for neglecting South Africa's refining capacity. He also lambasted the government for not reinstating temporary fuel tax relief measures that could have alleviated the burden on consumers. The MK party accused the GNU of prioritizing business and financial markets over ordinary citizens. They called for immediate relief measures, increased energy security, and policies to shield households from rising living costs.",
  "summary": "Petrol price have hit a new record in South Africa.",
  "key_points": [
    "MK party criticizes GNU over fuel price hike",
    "93-octane petrol price rises by R3.12/litre",
    "GNU accused of neglecting South African households"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The MK party's criticism of the government of national unity marks a heightened political backlash against the GNU's handling of fuel price hikes that disproportionately affect poor South Africans.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}